Initial ideas, Planning, Character Bios

Mime Scene Initial ideas and Planning 

I considered several ideas for this scene. Firstly, I was thinking of having the mime acting out a scene in which he is pushing his umbrella against very strong winds. Whilst this would have been a good exercise in showing weight, I wanted a shot with more "acting" than "action".  

Next I toyed with the idea of showing a Mime coming backstage after their performance and shedding their persona. I liked this idea of slipping out of character, but felt that the scene lacked energy and purpose as the character simply relaxed after a performance.  

In the end I took the idea of showing dual personas and chose to set my scene around a mime searching for inspiration. I would like to show him picking up various props and slipping into corresponding characters. For example acting like and old man, when he puts on some glasses, and then a soldier or fashionista.   

I decided on this scene because it had so many possibility's in terms of characters and props. I also really like the idea of exploring the different body language and mannerisms that make people unique, within the same character.    

I have organized some of my character ideas into a list. As I want them to contrast each other, I have placed the ones that are too similar together, and will only pick one of that group to use in the final animation.  

Princess/Diva/ Fashionista/Film Star 

Soldier/ Policeman 

Sophisticated/snooty Gentleman 

Grumpy Old man 

Cowboy/ Pirate 

Gangster/ 50s "cool guy" 

Boxer  

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Mime Character Summary- 

A 22 year old acting student 

Is looking for inspiration for a mime act he has been given at university.   

In the prop cupboard at drama school/ his parents attic 

energetic, happy, childish, stubborn, a little spoilt. 

center of gravity high in chest 
right handed

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Although it's usually a good idea to avoid cilices, want my mime to be very clear to the viewer. Therefore each character that the Mime becomes whilst using the props will be very stereotypical.  

Now that I have narrowed down what characters he  will be, I have made some mini-bios for each of them as well.  

cowboy- 

young, trying to prove he is tough and manly  

practicing drawing his weapon 

center of gravity in hips 

mid to slow body tempo 

Princess- 

Center of gravity center of chest

impeccable posture 

dainty mannerisms 

vain, acts extra coy and girly for attention. 

At the end of the scene i would like it 

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I have allot of ideas and only 30 seconds for my scene, so I will have to narrow down what I want to use after shooting my reference footage.